Multi-site Ski Retailer And Internet/mail Order Company For Sale

Business description

Multi-Site Ski Retailer and
Internet/Mail Order Company
Ski /Board equipment, clothing and accessories

Since inception over 15 years ago this enthusiastic retail, online and mail order ski equipment and skiwear company has established itself as a leading provider of discount ski equipment, boasting some of the most competitive prices in Europe for today’s top brand equipment, footwear and clothing. Not only does the company retail a variety of brands to suit most budgets including its own brand, it also has a rental division that caters for all the needs of both adults and children, be it clothing, helmets or other accessories.

Today the business has an impressive and growing database of regular clients and a reputation for delivering the most wanted, up to date, products at everyday low prices.

The retail sites are very well stocked to ensure clients requirements can be met on demand. In addition to this the internet and mail order side of the business ensures clients are kept up to date with current offers and new products and services as and when they are available. Any items not purchased direct from the retail outlets are delivered in the quickest possible time to ensure complete client satisfaction.

The company is well recognized and highly respected in its field, and has continued to go from strength to strength by consistently offering the very latest in ski apparel at very competitive prices. It has also developed its own brand of equipment and clothing as a result of its strong market presence and customer loyalty. This alone will have a significant effect on future revenues and profitability of the business. This is an ideal business prospect for buyers seeking a future in retail, internet and mail order sales, which promises tremendous potential and has a history of strong growth.

Through its impressive and diverse range of products, the company constantly strives to improve its services and the satisfaction level of its clientele. It is this drive that has positioned the company as the biggest discounter of skiwear in the UK.

The company also works with various tour operators who provide ski schools and ski holidays and has a specialist schools division working with some 100 schools in the UK.

Behind the scenes, the administration of the business ensures that the business responds quickly to customer orders.

Mail Order

The mail order service allows customers to purchase products by catalogue, internet, phone, fax or post. Catalogues are mailed on a regular basis to the extensive database. The current catalogue has some 48 pages.

The Website

The excellent website has several names that are easy to recall and have been designed for ease of use, making purchasing products as easy and enjoyable as possible. The website is fully secure to give customers total peace of mind and offers the convenience of placing an order at home or at work, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The website is divided into separate categories with an easy search and find facility and advanced search directory. The online selection of clothing, equipment and accessories is updated seasonally in conjunction with the mail order catalogue. The website offers a selection of popular brand name merchandise and special offers to online customers.

Customer Service:

The business prides itself on taking customer services commitments very seriously. Whether customers place an order in person at the stores, by post, fax, telephone or online, staff ensure they are completely satisfied with the order.

Key Strengths:

The business retails a product range of in demand top brand products from its stores, website and mail order catalogue. The extensive professional website displays a huge array of stock lines in a stylish and tasteful way, it has a simple, secure on-line payment and ordering system with a quick find procedure and accepts payments by major credit cards.
This business has carved out a significant market share within its sector with both profit and turnover growing year on year. The customer database is circa 65,000+ contacts, many of which are repeat customers.

The business has a very strong supply chain, which gives it a real edge in the market. Own brand sales represent a very profitable revenue stream that is expected to continue growing in the future.

The business will not be beaten on range and price of equipment as well as technical support. Staff are extremely knowledgeable so as to ensure the customer gets the correct apparel to match their particular skills and requirements. This is reflected through very impressive customer retention levels and high levels of repeat business.

Key Opportunities:

Key opportunities include expanding the operation to develop the distribution side of the business rather than concentrating solely on direct sales. Sales of snowboards and snowboard equipment to specialist shops would have a positive effect on sales.

Development and broadening of the business to accommodate summer outdoor activities such as mountain biking, camping, climbing and the like would seriously increase footfall and turnover.

Financial Information:

The business is being offered for sale on a going concern basis, all financial discussions will take place directly between the vendor and all interested parties under the auspices of Turner Butler.

The current turnover is circa £1.65 Million per annum with excellent gross profits being achieved of circa £879,000. Resulatant Operating Profits circa £176,000 p.a. The business has a balance sheet circa £390,000 (with a typical stock levels circa £500,000). The business is well established with excellent buying power and a fabulous reputation in the industry. The market is extremely strong and consistent. It is ready for a new owner with fresh ideas, energy and enthusiasm to take it through its next period of growth.

Property information

Property:

Leasehold

Location:

All the premises are leasehold.
The company headquarters are based within an 11,500 square foot industrial unit which provides offices (1000 square foot), retail (1500 square foot) as well as warehousing (9000 square foot).The unit is ideally located close to a city and has excellent access and substantial parking. The unit is positioned on a shared and well established industrial estate. All modern utilities and services including broadband are available as you would expect from a prime modern commercial location.

Each retail unit is of a similar size (circa 2,200 square feet) and again they are industrial units on high profile industrial parks close to city/town centres. All have good parking, which is paramount considering the size, weight and value of the items. All units have been fitted out to a high standard to ensure an enjoyable retail experience each and every visit.

Business Operation

Expansion potential:

There is unlimited potential within this business; the expansion possibilities are endless due to the fact the company’s structure and premises are such so as to accommodate growth into new areas. The opportunity is ripe for a new owner to broaden the services and products still further by continuing to develop the “own brand” programme as well as pursuing various licensing opportunities that exist to introduce new brands into the marketplace.

As this is a seasonal market there is massive potential to develop the business further to accommodate additional outdoor activity pursuits to give it a full year round appeal to customers. This could be developed by targeting the highly lucrative camping, biking or walking markets to name but a few.

The web site is also a great potential source of new clients and continued investment in updating the site would generate additional revenue.

Competition / Market:

A large proportion of the business's revenue has been due to its excellent reputation for quality brand name products, extremely competitive pricing and fast turnaround service, which ensures word of mouth recommendations and a high level of repeat business and customer retention/loyalty. This together with the company’s high quality retail stores, websites and comprehensive catalogue publications (via direct mail), ensure the company profile is maximised at all times. Additional advertising, be it regional and national through traditional means and the use of TV and radio ensures the business enjoys good publicity.

Reasons for selling:

Owner wishes to develop their other business commitments.

Trading hours:

Current business hours during the winter months are;
0900-17.30 Monday to Friday.
1000-1700 Saturday
1100-1400 Sunday

Employees:

There is an excellent management team in place at the headquarters of the company. There are 10 staff based here including the Retail Director, Finance Director, Graphic Designer, IT Support, as well as warehouse, reception and additional office personnel who carry out various other functions to ensure the smooth running of the business. Staff are extremely knowledgeable and have a thorough understanding of the business operation enabling them to multi-task when necessary. On the retail side there are 4 further shops, each with three full time members of staff including shop supervisors. Additional sales staff are employed on a temporary basis on demand.

Other information

Support & training:

Full support and training will be provided to the new owner.